Cot, check.
Pram, check.
Think you’ve ticked off the big-ticket items when it comes to preparing for baby?
Think again.
Forget the age-old joke about trading in the convertible for a station wagon once two becomes three because, according to a recent M&B study, one in three first-time parents upgrades their family car once they’ve had a baby.
Accredited child restraint fitter Danyle Guerreiro, who also owns Rock-A-Bye Baby Equipment Hire in Sydney, says she’s often asked what makes the ideal family car.
“There’s a lot to consider when you’re looking to find the perfect car for your family. How many people are you likely to be transporting each day? What size pram, bikes, etc. will need to be stored in your boot? Bigger is not necessarily better; it’s more about what space is available in the vehicle and if it will configure to suit your family’s needs today and into the future,” she says.
“In a panic, you may look at a seven-seater to ferry all your kids and their friends to sport on Saturdays, but a vehicle with a versatile interior with multiple folding seats and access options that are easy to use may be all that is required.”
From a safety perspective, Danyle recommends making sure your car possesses the following safety features as standard: ABS brakes, multiple airbags (particularly side airbags), child safety locks on doors and windows and, if the budget allows, rear parking sensors and reversing cameras.
“Sadly, too many children are killed each year in their own driveways.”
And for added comfort, Danyle says not to forget about in-car entertainment options, such as DVD players and sockets for iPads and headphones.
“Yes, kids don’t need more screen time, [but] hearing the words ‘are we there yet’ on high repeat can turn a lovely Sunday drive into a teeth-grinding horror movie,” says Danyle.
“Many kids get bored in the car and need some distraction. Whether you choose handheld consoles or go all out on the in-car entertainment system, you might get from A to B with barely a noise from the back seat.”
Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium, RRP $41,990.
It has all the bells and whistles including sat nav, dual-zone climate control and the clever EyeSight Driver assist – which prompts the driver to take action against potentially dangerous conditions via audible and visual warnings. Services are at shorter intervals than some of the other models in this guide, but the cool technology makes the Subaru a real contender in the family car market.
MERCEDES BENZ GLC220D, RRP $64,500
The most expensive in our family car picks, this car is loaded with features, as you would expect from the price. The standard AWD model includes a power tailgate (perfect for when your hands are full with bub and equipment), electric front seats and a 360-degree view camera. There’s also plenty of storage space, with an impressive 580-litre luggage compartment.
HONDA CR-V, RRP $43,152
The CRV has been a family favourite ever since the first model hit the market in 1995. Like many of its competitors, the CRV includes front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera, but in this model you’ll also get a sunroof for the price. It’s also more spacious than many of the other cars in its class, with a boot that boasts a huge 556-litre capacity, while the rear seat ventilation creates a comfortable space for bub.
MAZDA6 WAGON, RRP $37,694
If a wagon is more your style, consider this mid-sized family car with a stylish interior. There’s loads of room, especially in the boot (506 litres). Standard safety features include blind spot monitoring, smart city brake support, rear cross traffic alert and reverse camera. It’s also E10 compatible, so the fuel economy is easy on the hip pocket.
KIA SORENTO SLi PETROL, RRP $45,990
With an impressive seven-year warranty, seven-year capped price servicing as well as seven-year Roadside Assist, it’s hard to look past Kia when buying a family car. Talk about spacious. The boot space, especially when the third row isn’t being utilised, has a massive 1077-litre capacity, offering plenty of room for your pram and all the other baby paraphernalia you find yourself carrying around once you’re a parent.
FORD KUGA TITANIUM, RRP $45,190.
The latest version of this mid-size SUV appears to have been designed specifically with families in mind. The power tailgate is perfect for when your hands are full with kids and shopping, while the tray tables at the back are a great addition. The Titanium is definitely the pick of the range for families, and little kids will love the panorama sunroof, especially on rainy days. It also includes front and rear parking sensors, reverse camera, parking assist, plus other touches such as heated leather seats. The downside is that the Kuga is a little thirsty compared to some other cars on the market.
BMW X1, RRP $49,500
If you’re looking for a luxury brand, you can’t go past the BMW X1. Roomier than previous versions, the latest incarnation was designed by an Australian and has plenty of space for growing families. The boot space is big enough to fit most prams. Plus, there’s loads of additional options if you like plenty of features, including the nifty driver head-up system that displays speed and navigation on the windscreen so you never have to take your eyes off the road. While this car might be a little more expensive than other models, it also has great fuel efficiency so you’ll save at the bowser.
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